Nests and Eggs of Familiar British Birds, Second Series / Described and Illustrated; with an Account of the Haunts and Habits of the Feathered Architects, and their Times and Modes of Building

by H. G. Adams

Forms a sharp fence the nest about,

To keep all rash intruders out.

So like a robber in his hold,

Or some marauding baron bold,

On coasted cliff in olden time,

They sit unblenched in state sublime,

And fortress intricately planned;

As if they felt that they whose hand

Is aimed at others, rightly deem

The hand of others aimed at them.